May 2024 Bond Projects Update

May 8, 2024

Hello Gladiators!

As we approach the end of this school year, I want to share some important updates about the November 2021 Bond Projects underway on our campus.

Unfortunately, I must share that the new Fowlerville Elementary School will not be ready by the start of the 2024- 2025 school year as originally planned. Several factors have contributed to this delay, including staffing shortages, difficulties in obtaining competitive bids, and extended delivery times for supplies and materials. We have also encountered challenges in connecting the building to the public water system and have experienced delays with electrical and natural gas connections. Recently, Auch, our construction manager for all November 2021 Bond projects, notified us that the expected completion is now set for mid-October 2024. We plan to transition from Smith Elementary to Fowlerville Elementary School later in the fall or early winter of the next school year.

While this delay is certainly disappointing, it offers us additional time to plan and prepare thoroughly so that Fowlerville Elementary School's opening is truly outstanding. It also provides our new principal, once hired, with ample time to settle into their role before moving to the new facility, supporting a smoother transition and better preparedness from day one. Additionally, this delay allows more time to move items into the new building and possibly time for us to acclimate our students, parents, and staff with tours of the completed building before beginning instruction there.

As you may have already heard, the enhancements to the HVAC system at Fowlerville Junior High are now set to be completed by fall 2025. The bids for this project exceeded our budget expectations significantly, prompting the Board to postpone the mechanical and plumbing work while we seek more competitive bids. We understand the importance of these improvements in creating a comfortable learning environment and remain dedicated to managing this project responsibly.

I want to assure you that our commitment to delivering the best possible learning conditions for our students is unwavering. We appreciate your ongoing support and patience as we navigate these challenges together. For regular updates on all November 2021 Bond Projects, please visit our website: https://www.fowlervilleschools.org/ourschools/fowlerville-elementary

Sincerely,

Matthew Stuard

Superintendent

Fowlerville Community Schools